Dwight Russell Evans

On January 27, 1956, in Sparkman, Arkansas Albert and Dorothy Evans welcomed the birth of a baby boy named Dwight Russell Evans. He confessed Christ at an early age and united with Pleasant Hill AME Church under the leadership Rev. James Thomas. Dwight graduated from Ouachita High School in 1974. Upon graduating from Ouachita High School he joined the workforce. He worked at Hardman Lumber Company and later worked for Daily Lumber Company until his health failed. Dwight, better known as Ike, was not a man of many words, but of few words and many virtues. He would help anyone that needed help. He possessed a humble spirit and a mild disposition. He loved his family and life. In 1977, Dwight took Shelia Henderson to be his wife and to this union four children were born. In 1992, Ike moved to Malvern, Arkansas where he lived for 18 years with Billie Jean (BJ) and their dog “Misty” which they loved dearly. BJ was by his side until God called him home. As he approached his last hours on Friday, December 10, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs; he passed from time into eternity with his family at his side to bid him a safe journey. Those awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home are his parents, two brothers, Bobby Joe Evans, Larry Evans and one sister Connie Evans. Dwight “Ike” leaves to celebrate and honor his life’s journey: His lifetime partner Ms. Billie “BJ” McCray; his children, Telisa (Tyrone) Blevins of Pearland, TX, Courtney (Natalie) Evans of Garland, TX, Stephanie Evans and Ryan London Evans both of Arkadelphia, AR; seven grandchildren, Ke’Arlyn Anderson, Adryan Rose, Nicholas Blevins, Corbin Evans, Jazmine Blevins, Tyler Gilomre and Autumn Gilmore; three sisters, Elsie (Leo) Hamilton of Highland Park, MI, Diana (James) Langley of Arkadelphia, AR, Sandra (David) Beard of Highland Park, MI; one brother, Arthur (Ruthie) Evans of Malvern, AR; one aunt, Georgia Hill of Arkadelphia; one uncle Jesse (Parthena) Williams of Arkadelphia; a special sister-in-law, Johnnie Mae Moore and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, BJ’s family and numerous friends. Ike will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, December 17, 2010, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2010, in the sanctuary of Pleasant Hill AME Church where Rev. Rex Smith is the pastor. Rev Thomas Brazil the pastor of St. John AME Church will deliver the message of comfort and hope. Active Bearers of the Casket will be Anthony Beard, Donald Gordon, Alfred Tuggle, Keith Luster, Jasper Evans and Troy Smith. Honorary Bearers of the Casket will be Courtney Evans, Ryan London Evans, Robert Hill, Jeffery Beard, Carrol Forte, Tyrone Blevins, Kenneth Luster and David Avington.